Chef Massimo Orlando and Jack Ross on Italian Roots, Food Culture, and Resilience

Update: 2025-12-12

Description

In this episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast, Carl sits down with Chef Massimo Orlando and Jack Ross for a powerful conversation about Italian heritage, food culture, and the stories that shape who we are.

Chef Massimo Orlando shares his journey from growing up in Italy and learning to cook in his grandmother's kitchen to working professionally at a young age in the kitchens around Lake Como. His path took him across the ocean to Miami Beach and eventually to California, where he built a life, a career, and a community. Massimo opens up about mentorship, immigration, the impact of the pandemic, rebuilding after loss, and how mental health and therapy changed his leadership and outlook on life. He also discusses his role with A.P.C.I. North America and the mission to protect and promote real Italian food and culture in the United States and Canada.

Joining the episode in the studio is Jack Ross, the creator of YO! Meatball. Jack is a home cook whose Sicilian family recipes are rooted in tradition, comfort, and the Sunday table. While cooking his signature meatballs live, Jack shares how family food traditions became a way to connect with community and preserve heritage outside of the professional kitchen.

This episode explores two different paths connected by one common thread. Food as memory, identity, resilience, and connection.

Brand & Industry Partners

• Metro
https://www.metro.com

• RAK Porcelain USA
https://www.rakporcelain.com/usa

• Pass the Honey
https://www.passthehoney.com

• Aussie Select
https://www.aussieselect.com

• Ibis Images Studio
https://www.ibisimages.com

Official Trade Show & Event Partners

• New York Restaurant Show
https://www.nyrestaurantshow.com

• California Restaurant Show
https://www.californiarestaurantshow.com

• Florida Restaurant Show
https://www.floridarestaurantshow.com

• Pizza Tomorrow Summit
https://www.pizzatomorrowsummit.com

• U.S. Culinary Open at NAFEM Show
https://www.usculinaryopen.org

Cause & Community Partners

• The Burnt Chef Project (Mental health advocacy in hospitality)
https://www.theburntchefproject.com

• Operation BBQ Relief
https://operationbbqrelief.org

• Hogs for the Cause
https://hogsforthecause.org

• Sustainable Supperclub
https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com

Comments

In Channel

Chef Massimo Orlando and Jack Ross on Italian Roots, Food Culture, and Resilience

2025-12-1257:41

Barbecue With Purpose: Stan Hays and Champion Pitmaster Tillman Lee Nelson III

2025-11-2141:41

Chef Freddy Money - Michelin Excellence at Atlas and the U.S. Culinary Open

2025-11-1443:23

Cooking Through the Cuts: How Chef Ciji Castro Fights Food Insecurity Through Tradition

2025-11-0736:11

Chef Janine Pezarro: From Michelin Kitchens to the Warrior's Path with Chef Brett Wright from Palm Beach Meats

2025-10-3101:05:25

The Business of Better Shrimp with Vnay Bedi and Chef Mohamad ElBanna

2025-10-2435:03

No Pretension, Just Passion: Chef Andy Nassar of Keel Farms

2025-10-1744:14

Lajawab Indian Cuisine: A Taste of Kolkata in St. Petersburg

2025-10-1046:01

Taquerías, Storytelling Menus & Sustainable Food: Chef David Reyes with Jennifer Weinberg

2025-10-0339:25

The Burnt Chef Project: Transforming Hospitality Through Mental Wellness with Chef Ben Goldman & Tom MItchell

2025-09-1958:28

Chef Ciji Castro: Reviving Latin Culinary Heritage

2025-09-1247:43

Understanding Value in Dining with Chef Paul Gaskins from The Inn at Celebration

2025-09-0534:23

The Heart of Australian Beef: Sustainability and Flavor Revealed with Sabina Kindler & Chef Thomas Mandzik

2025-08-2943:19

From Hobby to Business: Rona Bachour's Baking Revolution

2025-08-2230:32

From Omelets to Prestige: Chef Lee Aquino's Culinary Evolution

2025-08-1542:34

From Struggles to Success: Chef Ricardo Castro's Inspiring Story

2025-08-0140:43

The Heart of Hospitality: A Conversation with Culinary Innovators: Ryan Giffin, Chef Thomas Mandzik & Stan Hays

2025-07-2541:12

Pass the Honey, Tell the Story: Douglas Raggio & Chef Josh Bernstein

2025-07-1858:10

Calusa Oysters, Aquaculture & Michelin Recognition: Reed Smith & Chef Jon Walker on Florida's Seafood Future

2025-07-1149:46

Celebrating Independence Day: The Flavors of America with Chef Thomas Parker

2025-07-0433:46

00:00

Chef Massimo Orlando and Jack Ross on Italian Roots, Food Culture, and Resilience

#box-pro-ellipsis-176607327273170{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}Chef Massimo Orlando and Jack Ross on Italian Roots, Food Culture, and Resilience

Brand & Industry Partners

Official Trade Show & Event Partners

Cause & Community Partners

Chef Massimo Orlando and Jack Ross on Italian Roots, Food Culture, and Resilience

Walk-In Talk Media

Chef Massimo Orlando and Jack Ross on Italian Roots, Food Culture, and Resilience